Journal logo

Personal Injury: What If the At-Fault Party is a Family Member or a Friend?

Can I change my personal injury lawyer

By Brandy ConnollyPublished 10 months ago 4 min read
Like

In most personal injury cases, the victim has been injured by a stranger. Ask any Massachusetts personal injury attorney, and you will find that most cases are between people who had never met each other before the accident.

However, sometimes, the person responsible for the accident is actually a friend or family member of the injured person.

Whether it's a car crash or a slip and fall incident, many people in this situation hesitate to take legal action against the person at fault because they don't want to harm their relationship.

While it's definitely a sensitive situation, it's important to know the potential consequences and explore your options before making any final decisions. A personal injury lawyer can provide the guidance you need to make the right decision.

Here are some questions that may come to your mind.

Won’t My Health Insurance Be Sufficient to Cover All of My Losses?

First, it's important to know that health insurance only covers your medical expenses. If you've only sustained minor injuries, this might be enough. However, those who have suffered more severe injuries may face additional challenges, such as:

  • Lost income: If you have serious injuries , you may have to take time off work to recover or attend treatments. This could lead to missed days or even a temporary or permanent disability that affects your ability to earn the same income as before the accident.

  • Pain and suffering: Your injuries can have a significant impact on your daily life, causing pain and suffering. It may disrupt your sleep, prevent you from enjoying hobbies, or hinder your ability to take care of yourself and your family.

  • Out-of-pocket expenses: On top of lost income and pain and suffering, you may also encounter additional costs like deductibles or copays. These out-of-pocket medical expenses can add up to thousands of dollars, even after your health insurance pays for your medical bills.

To recover these losses, your best option is to pursue a compensation claim. A knowledgeable Massachusetts personal injury attorney can guide you through this complex process.

Why is Insurance Important?

It's important to understand that in most cases, you'll be making a claim against the insurance company rather than directly against your friend or family member. This is why people have insurance – to have coverage in case they cause an accident.

The majority of personal injury claims are typically settled with the insurance company. Even though your claim is based on the negligence of your friend or family member, the insurance company holds full control over the entire claim process. They will make the decision on whether to settle the claim and determine the amount of compensation.

Apart from providing their own account of the incident, your friend or family member will not have any say in the outcome of your claim.

Why Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

When it comes to a major injury that has had a profound impact on your life, it's crucial to have a knowledgeable Massachusetts personal injury attorney who truly grasps the intricacies of your situation.

You need a lawyer who not only possesses the expertise to construct a solid claim and navigate the legal process but also comprehends the sensitive nature of the relationships involved.

In essence, they can assist you in securing the compensation you deserve while making every effort to preserve the important connections at stake.

Can I Change My Personal Injury Lawyer?

When facing a personal injury case involving a family member or friend as the at-fault party, you may find yourself wondering if you can switch your personal injury lawyer.

The good news is that you have the right to change your legal representation at any point in the process. If you feel that your current lawyer isn't meeting your needs, lacks understanding of the delicate dynamics involved, or isn't effectively pursuing your claim, it's essential to explore your options.

However, before making any decisions, consult with another experienced Massachusetts personal injury attorney who can guide you through the process and ensure a smooth transition while protecting your best interests.

Conclusion

By working with a lawyer who understands the delicate dynamics involved, you can pursue the compensation you deserve while safeguarding the relationships that matter to you.

business
Like

About the Creator

Brandy Connolly

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.